Saint-Gobain launches the Build2pro services portal

Unique in Europe, it relies on the experience and logistics of the 4000 outlets of its own brands and those of its exclusive partners, Sigmakalon and Sonepar.

The result of 12 months’ work, BUILD2PRO has been designed by BUILD2GROUP, the Saint-Gobain Building Distribution Branch’s European Internet R&D structure.

BUILD2PRO has been developed with exclusive partners providing the necessary additional expertise to ensure comprehensive service for customers, all professions combined. The partners include Sigmakalon, one of the leading European building paint distributors, and Sonepar, the foremost distributor of electrical equipment in Europe.

Backed by a unique network in Europe, BUILD2PRO taps into the acquired experience and the logistical support of 4000 outlets serving a regular customer base of 600 000 tradespeople and SMEs, that is, almost half the players in the European building sector. Backed by these strong positions, BUILD2PRO is firmly committed to positioning itself as the privileged partner of all building professionals.

BUILD2PRO’s role is to provide each profession with a set of effective solutions tailored to their specific needs. To this end, it has a range of over 25 customized information services, including consultancy for tender proposals, assistance with company administration, detailed technical files, assistance with the creation of an Internet site, etc.

BUILD2PRO also provides direct access to all the marketing and merchant sites of the Saint-Gobain Distribution and partner brands in France and abroad (C‚d‚o, Lapeyre, La Plateforme du Bƒtiment, Point.P, Qualitool, CGE Distribution, Seigneurie, Comptoir des peintures Gauthier, Raab Karcher, Jewson, etc.). This intermediation, unique in the building sector, provides all professionals with easy access to an additional product offering, information, and practical advice. It also provides online, round-the-clock, details about all stages in product logistics: orders, stock availability, shipping dates, delivery tracking, etc.

The aim is to make the BUILD2PRO site the reference portal for building professionals in each country in Europe. Initially available in France, the BUILD2PRO portal will gradually be deployed in all countries where Saint-Gobain brands are located. For example, after being adapted for the UK market, the site will come online there early next year; then at the end of 2002, BUILD2PRO will be introduced in Germany; other countries are currently under review.

In order to provide additional service, in terms of the promotion of its tradespeople customers and assistance to homeowners, BUILD2PRO will be offering BUILD2PRO Habitat starting in November 2001. Designed for homeowners wanting to undertake renovation or fitout work, BUILD2PRO Habitat will put them in direct contact with member professionals who have signed a standards charter.

For its launch and promotion, BUILD2PRO will mainly be relying on the strength of its extensive network of brands whose teams are already seen by customers as a credible and legitimate source of recommendation.

With BUILD2PRO, a unique portal in Europe, Saint-Gobain aims to:

- Establish additional links between its customers and the Building Distribution Branch brands;
- Boost the volume of sales by Saint-Gobain Distribution Bƒtiment through increased in-store activity and the contribution of merchant site transactions; and
- Create value through an e-commerce strategy that is precisely targeted and responsive to the market’s expectations.